The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1887-02-24
NATIONAL FISHERY UNION.
The First Meeting of the Association
at Gloucester, Mass.
The Business Transacted and the
Officers Elected.
Demand for a High Protective Duty
on Imported Fish.

GLOUCESTER, Mass. Feb. 23.-The great
National Fisheries Convention was called to
order at the Pavilion Hotel this afternoon by
Luther Maddocks, who presided. and who
delivered short address stating the objects
of the convention. George Steele was made
permanent chairman and delivered brief
address of welcome. The attendance at the
convention is very large. and there is the
greatest possible interest in its proceedings
by citizens generally. The delegates have
been given cordial welcome in the city.
where there is feeling Of pride In the prom
inence Of the place as the leading fishing
port Of the country, and where the people
believe they have a natural right to lead in
all matters concerning the protection and
advancement of fishery interests. The con-
vention is the result Of meeting of the Uni
ted States Oil, Menhaden and Guano Associ-
alton, which has branches in all parts of the
country, held in New York on Jan. 12, last.
George Steele, president Of the American
Fishery Union, and w. A. Wilcox, manager
Of the American Fish Bureau, both of this
city, were present by invitation, and they
urged the necessity Of having general con-
vention Of all the fishing industries of the
country, with view of uniting them under
an organization, 1t was then decided to
hold such convention in this city, invita-
tions being sent to all fishing ports, and, to-
day there has been commenced the most inn
portant meeting Of delegates interested in
the fisheries ever held in this country.
Among the prominent delegates present are
Judge Charles Levi Woodbury. and Capt.
Fitz j J.Babson.
The following committee on permanent or
ganization was appointed: James Clifford
of Pr0vincetown, Daniel L. Church of Tiv-
erton, r. l., S: S. Brown Of New. London,
Conn. Capt. III. b. Joyce Of Portland, Me-,
and Capt. jesse III. Freeman of Boston.
Judge Charles Levi Woodbury. then ad-
dressed the convention, expressing pleasure
in knowing that those interested in our fish
cries are to combine for the protection of
their interests. Although his services had
been chiefly rendered in connection with the
termination of the late treaty ofWashington,
and the proceeding which have taken place
since then with regard to our foreign rela-
tions, still he was heartily in sympathy with
the efforts to extend the scope of their field
so as to embrace all Of the fishery interests
of the United State. He concluded by say
ing we had made treaties enough with Great
Britain, as she got the better Of us every
time.
Capt. Fitz j. Babson spoke at length,
claiming there is no other policy except Of
retaliation for us to sustain. The policy of
England, he said, was to send her capital to
the colonies and bringing back everything,
leaving them nothing, notably so in the case
of New Foundland. Her northern provin-
ces were so large it was now her object to
create a large merchant marine and there Is
no nation so powerful on the face Of the
earthI if 1.-THE American fisheries were
destroyed, for she will be able to raise up
100000 fishermen to man her navy. He then
read along platform which was adopted.
The resolutions declare it the governments
duty to protect fisheries as well as other
producing Industries.
That the opening of our markets to the
competition of foreign fisheries, sustained by
bounties and locally untaxed is unjust, un-
patriotic, and unworthy government like
ours.
That the treaty Of 1918 with Great Britain,
which was to prevent the taking Of
fish within three miles Of the Canadian
shore, Is of no value whatever to American
fishermen under the present methods.
That the Interpretation Of that treaty by
Canada is contrary to every principle Of
right and justice
The local Canadian laws should not
abridge the treaty rights of our vessels in
those waters. They protest against our YES
sells being refused the right by Canada to
to buy supplies in her ports when provided
with permit to touch and trade at foreign
ports, call for retaliatory measures on the
part OF our government and thanking the
Senate for its labors in behalf of the fishery
industry.
Congressman Coggswell of Salem, said the
fisheries question was a matter of inter-
est beyond the confines of New England.
He realized with great modification the per-
ilous condition Of this interest today when
we are so prosperous and have such immense
strength. He felt gratifed with the progress
made by the American fishery union and de-
clared that discussion aud agitation are the
best means Of making further and successful
progress in the matter He hoped this con-
vention would result in creating a public
opinion which win force the administration
at Washington to send some one down to
Canada to make faces at them, If nothing
else
aD. T. Church of Tiverton, r. l., spoke in
behalf of the menhaden industry.
r: Q. Green Of Eastport, spoke for the
sardine industry.
o. j. Morse aud j. NJ. Bussell Of Virgin
la, represented the oyster industry.
The meeting adjourned until O'Clock.
At the evening session the committee on
organization reported a list Of officers and a
constitution and bylaws, which were adopt
ed. The organization is to be known as the
National Fishery Union. The officers are as
follows:
Direetors-sylvester Cunningham. of Gouees-
ter James Clifford. Provincetown; G. IL. Pease
New Bedford; l. c. Young, Wellheet; ID. +
Church, Tiyerton; J. N. r. Sanford, New Bed
iamin, Fulton Market, New York; George I
Tuttill Green Point, N. Y; John Luce, Lewes,
Virginia; c. s. Crowell Philadelphia.
President-F. j. BabsOn.
Vice Presdents-D. I. Church, Sylvester Gun
ningham.
Secretary-W. A. Wilcox.
Treasurer-John p. Pen.
Luther Maddocks of Boothbay offered res
olutions, which were adopted. They affirm
the Importance of unity among the various
branches of the fisheries for the purpose ei
advancing and protecting their interests, en-.
dorse the retaliatory measures before Con-
gress to the fullest extent that may seem
consistent. and desire retaliation to be SO
proclaimed that for one year, at least it will
give an opportunity to show the world that
we are not dependent ON Canada for fishing
grounds or for support denounce any at
tempt to create warlike feeling, trusting to
the good sense Of the citizens of both gov
ernments for a just and reasonable settle
ment; ask our government to uphold its dig
nifty as nation, and for the immediat-
enactment of high protective duty on i'm
ported fish.
There were 225 delegates present, repre-
senting every State from Virginia TO Maine.